Time-varying Control Research Articles

Time-Varying Formation Control With Transient Performance for Multiagent Systems Under Jointly Connected Topologies

Time-Varying Formation Control With Transient Performance for Multiagent Systems Under Jointly Connected Topologies

Robust Space Launcher Control with Time-Varying Objectives

This paper presents a novel approach to robust linear time-varying control design for space launchers. It allows the controller to explicitly account for the launcher’s time-varying dynamics and changing control objectives along the ascent trajectory. The latter are readily incorporated via time-varying weighting functions into a mixed sensitivity design. For a traceable and transparent control design, a physically motivated weighting scheme is applied, which requires little tuning effort. The controller is obtained via a novel observer-based finite horizon linear time-varying synthesis approach. It provides a transparent structure which is easy to implement. The approach is used to design a pitch controller for a flexible expendable launch vehicle in atmospheric ascent tracking the open-loop guidance reference signal.

Smooth Time-Varying Feedback Control of Nonholonomic Systems with Applications to the Attitude Control of Underactuated Spacecraft

This paper studies the control of chained nonholonomic systems by using smooth time-varying feedback. First, by using a time-varying state transformation, the chained nonholonomic system is transformed into a linear time-varying system. Second, with the aid of some properties of a class of parametric Lyapunov equations and time-varying systems theory, smooth time-varying state feedback controller is developed to ensure the exponential convergence of both the system states and controls. Different from existing results, the design parameters in the proposed control strategy are independent of the initial conditions of the system. Third, as an application of the proposed smooth time-varying feedback, the attitude control problem for underactuated axisymmetric spacecraft is addressed. Finally, a numerical simulation is presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Time-varying gain extended state observer-based adaptive optimal control for disturbed unmanned helicopter

In this paper, the robust adaptive optimal tracking control problem is addressed for the disturbed unmanned helicopter based on the time-varying gain extended state observer (TVGESO) and adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) methods. Firstly, a novel TVGESO is developed to tackle the unknown disturbance, which can overcome the drawback of initial peaking phenomenon in the traditional linear ESO method. Meanwhile, compared with the nonlinear ESO, the proposed TVGESO possesses easier and rigorous stability analysis process. Subsequently, the optimal tracking control issue for the original unmanned helicopter system is transformed into an optimization stabilization problem. By means of the ADP and neural network techniques, the feedforward controller and optimal feedback controller are skillfully designed. Compared with the conventional backstepping approach, the designed anti-disturbance optimal controller can make the unmanned helicopter accomplish the tracking task with less energy. Finally, simulation comparisons demonstrate the validity of the developed control scheme.

A dual-gain scaling approach to event-triggered adaptive tracking for large-scale nonlinear systems via output feedback

A novel non-backstepping output feedback control approach, called as the dual-gain scaling approach, is proposed by combining the extended Lyapunov matrix inequalities with dual-domination idea. This approach provides partially decentralised adaptive output feedback controllers with three event-triggered mechanisms to achieve the global practical tracking of a family of uncertain large-scale nonlinear systems subject to unknown control coefficients and strongly interconnected nonlinearities with output-polynomial growth rate. The dual gains are embedded in the observers and controllers, which can effectively compensate for time-varying control coefficients and unknown constant growth rate multiplied by output-polynomial function. Three different threshold schemes including fixed threshold, relative threshold and time-varying threshold are introduced to save communication resources. The stability analysis shows that the solutions of the closed-loop system are globally uniformly bounded and the tracking error converges to a preset compact set after a finite time; also, there will be no zeno behaviour in the closed-loop response.

Global practical tracking for uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown control coefficients and polynomial growth

This paper studies the problem of global output-feedback tracking control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. The system studied in this paper has unknown time-varying control coefficients and unknown reference signal. Notably, the nonlinearities of the system are bounded by the lower triangular linear unmeasured states multiplying the unknown constant, the polynomial-of-output and the polynomial-of-input growth rates, which indicates the presence of serious uncertainties. Motivated by the closely related works, by combining the ideas of universal control and deadzone with backstepping technique, this paper presents a new adaptive tracking control scheme based on two dynamic high-gains in the new forms. The proposed control scheme ensures that the tracking error converges to a specified arbitrarily small interval range after a finite time while the state of the resulting closed-loop system is globally bounded. Finally, the effectiveness of the control scheme is verified by an illustrative example.

H∞ control of switched Lurie systems with dwell time

This article deals with the [Formula: see text] control problems of switched Lurie systems. Our purpose is to design switching signals and state feedback controllers with time-varying control gains that make the closed-loop switched Lurie systems absolutely stable. Based on switched time-varying Lyapunov–Lurie function, time-varying controllers corresponding to two kinds of switching signals are proposed. On this basis, the control synthesis conditions are given. It is worth mentioning that our results can deal with the situation that all subsystems are not stabilizable. Finally, the obtained results are applied to a flexible joint robotic arm model with switchings of parameter values. Another simulation example of switched Lurie systems is considered to illustrate the validity of the presented approaches.

A time-varying driving style oriented model predictive control for smoothing mixed traffic flow

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) have great potential to smooth mixed traffic flow. To focus on the fact that the driving styles of HDVs are time-varying, a new control framework based on time-varying model predictive control (MPC) is proposed for mixed traffic flow in longitudinal control. Firstly, a genetic algorithm can be employed to calibrate the parameters of the car-following model based on offline trajectory data, representing the long-term driving style of HDVs. Secondly, the short-term driving style is recognized through modifying the long-term driving style based on real-time trajectory data within a sliding window. Then, this paper seeks to design a time-varying MPC control framework to realize a smoother mixed traffic flow. Finally, compared to the baseline model, the method we proposed achieves the high-performance both in fuel consumption and driving comfort under various scenarios, and maintains fast online calculations. Besides, it also displays the significant potential of saving fuel consumption in a large-scale traffic system, reducing by over 11.28% with 17∼33% penetration rates of CAVs.

Finite-time semi-global stabilisation of polynomial growth nonlinear systems by linear time-varying feedback

The paper studied the finite-time semi-global stabilisation problems for a class of nonlinear systems with a novel polynomial growth condition. By using some key properties of a class of parametric Lyapunov equations and constructing time-varying Lyapunov-like functions, two time-varying high-gain controllers, where scalar time-varying functions are generated by differential equations, are designed. Both state feedback and observer-based output feedback are considered. It is shown that the proposed methods can achieve finite-time semi-global stabilisation for closed-loop systems and the controls are bound. Two numerical examples verify the effectiveness of the established results.

Adaptive tracking control-based Nussbaum gain for a class of multi-input and multi-output nonlinear systems with time-varying state constraints

This article studies an adaptive backstepping barrier Lyapunov function-based control scheme for a class of multi-input and multi-output nonlinear systems in the presence of time-varying asymmetric full-state constraints and external disturbances. Simultaneously, a prominent feature of these systems is the unknown time-varying control direction. To stabilize such systems, Nussbaum gain technique is constructively framed to overcome the unknown control direction problem. To prevent that the constraints are overstepped, the time-varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions are employed in each step of the backstepping design. The design involves an adaptive-based online approximator to cope with unknown dynamics of the system. A simulation example on aircraft skin inspection robot with three-dimensional trajectory is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Revisiting Event-Study Designs: Robust and Efficient Estimation

Abstract We develop a framework for difference-in-differences designs with staggered treatment adoption and heterogeneous causal effects. We show that conventional regression-based estimators fail to provide unbiased estimates of relevant estimands absent strong restrictions on treatment-effect homogeneity. We then derive the efficient estimator addressing this challenge, which takes an intuitive “imputation” form when treatment-effect heterogeneity is unrestricted. We characterize the asymptotic behaviour of the estimator, propose tools for inference, and develop tests for identifying assumptions. Our method applies with time-varying controls, in triple-difference designs, and with certain non-binary treatments. We show the practical relevance of our results in a simulation study and an application. Studying the consumption response to tax rebates in the U.S., we find that the notional marginal propensity to consume is between 8 and 11% in the first quarter—about half as large as benchmark estimates used to calibrate macroeconomic models—and predominantly occurs in the first month after the rebate.

Cooperative Time-Varying Formation Fuzzy Tracking Control of Multiple Heterogeneous Uncertain Marine Surface Vehicles With Actuator Failures.

This article addresses the cooperative time-varying formation fuzzy tracking control problem for a cluster of heterogeneous multiple marine surface vehicles subject to unknown nonlinearity and actuator failures. The proposed cooperative control scheme consists of two parts: 1) a distributed time-varying formation observer and 2) a decentralized adaptive fuzzy tracking controller. The distributed observer is designed to obtain a predefined time-varying formation pattern under a directed communication topology. Subsequently, based on the states of the distributed observer, a decentralized fuzzy tracking control law is developed using fuzzy-logic systems and the adaptive approach. Lyapunov functions are constructed to guarantee that the controlled marine vehicles attain the desired time-varying formation with asymptotical stability of tracking errors. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the efficacy of the proposed control methodology.

Coordinated control of path tracking and yaw stability for distributed drive electric vehicle based on AMPC and DYC

Maintaining both path-tracking accuracy and yaw stability of distributed drive electric vehicles (DDEVs) under various driving conditions presents a significant challenge in the field of vehicle control. To address this limitation, a coordinated control strategy that integrates adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) path-tracking control and direct yaw moment control (DYC) is proposed for DDEVs. The proposed strategy, inspired by a hierarchical framework, is coordinated by the upper layer of path-tracking control and the lower layer of direct yaw moment control. Based on the linear time-varying model predictive control (LTV MPC) algorithm, the effects of prediction horizon and weight coefficients on the path-tracking accuracy and yaw stability of the vehicle are compared and analyzed first. According to the aforementioned analysis, an AMPC path-tracking controller with variable prediction horizon and weight coefficients is designed considering the change of vehicle speed in the upper layer. The lower layer involves DYC based on the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) technique. Specifically, the intervention rule of DYC is determined by the threshold of the yaw rate error and the phase diagram of the sideslip angle. Extensive simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the proposed coordinated control strategy under different driving conditions. The results show that, under variable speed and low adhesion conditions, the vehicle yaw stability and path-tracking accuracy have been improved by 21.58% and 14.43%, respectively, compared to AMPC. Similarly, under high speed and low adhesion conditions, the vehicle yaw stability and path-tracking accuracy have been improved by 44.30% and 14.25%, respectively, compared to the coordination of LTV MPC and DYC. The results indicate that the proposed adaptive path-tracking controller is effective across different speeds. Furthermore, the proposed coordinated control strategy successfully enhances the vehicle stability while maintaining good path-tracking accuracy even under extreme conditions.

Adaptive time-varying state safety constraint control for discrete-time nonlinear systems with random actuator failures

This work investigates the adaptive time-varying state safety constraint control problem for a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems subject to large parameter uncertainties and stochastic actuator failures for the first time. The existence of time-varying full-state constraints, large parameter uncertainties and stochastic actuator failures leads to a series of difficulties for realizing all control objectives. Due to the absence of the linearity property of the derivative in discrete-time log type barrier Lyapunov functions, they are not used to deal with the state constraint problem of nonlinear discrete-time systems. The discrete quadratic-fraction time-varying barrier Lyapunov function is employed to guarantee that all states are constrained in the time-varying predefined regions. By virtue of the constructed multiple-model set, an adaptive identification algorithm is developed to deal with large parameter uncertainties and it has a clear advantage that this method does not requires cn (where n is the dimension of the parameter vector and c is an integer) identification models and only relies on n+1 identification models, thereby heavily reducing the computational burden. By employing the discrete-time filter and backstepping techniques, the adaptive failure compensation controller is designed to ensure the boundedness in probability of the considered systems with respect to stochastic actuator failures. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is proved by two simulation examples.

Fault-Tolerant Event-Triggrred Control for Multiple UAVs with Predefined Tracking Performance

This paper proposes an event-triggered fault-tolerant time-varying formation control method dedicated to multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). We meticulously design a formation-tracking controller with a predefined tracking performance to accommodate the presence of actuator faults and external disturbances. Firstly, the formation-tracking controller acquires the desired heading using the line-of-sight algorithm. Secondly, in the presence of actuator faults and external disturbances, we introduce the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and adaptive law tracking control to effectively compensate for their effects. Additionally, we design adaptive tracking controllers and event-triggering conditions to increase the computational frequency. The predefined tracking performance, implemented via a Lyapunov function, ensures the convergence of the tracking error over time. Finally, we conduct a thorough analysis of the system’s stability, successfully eliminating the possibility of Zeno behavior. The simulation results thoroughly validate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.

Linear time-varying fractional-order model predictive attitude control for satellite using two reaction wheels

Achieving precise attitude control in satellites equipped with two reaction wheels remains a significant challenge. During the last decade, model predictive control has emerged as a promising technique for satellite attitude control. However, this paper takes a step by introducing the novel concept of linear time-varying fractional-order model predictive control specifically tailored for satellites with dual reaction wheels, enabling them to achieve desired orientations more effectively. This study begins by elucidating the nonlinear dynamics and kinematic equations governing the satellite's behavior. To facilitate control design, the satellite linear time-varying model is derived by linearizing the nonlinear equations around the operating point. Leveraging this linearized representation, a linear time-varying fractional-order model predictive control method is designed, leveraging the benefits of fractional-order cost functions. Finally, the simulation results show the remarkable performance of the linear time-varying fractional-order model predictive control approach, particularly when confronted with input constraints. Notably, the proposed method outperforms the traditional linear time-varying model predictive control method by achieving an 80% improvement in tracking speed, while simultaneously reducing the applied torque by 67%. Additionally, the proposed approach decreases the mean absolute error of the satellite attitude angles by over 80% compared to the conventional linear time-varying model predictive control method. This research not only addresses the pressing challenge of attitude control in satellites with dual reaction wheels but also presents a novel and highly effective approach that surpasses existing methods in terms of performance and efficiency. As such, it holds immense potential for the field of satellite attitude control, making it an indispensable read for engineers and researchers working in the domain of aerospace engineering and control systems.

Obstacle avoidance decision and trajectory tracking control of intelligent vehicle considering surrounding vehicles

To enhance the obstacle avoidance performance and trajectory tracking control stability of vehicles in emergency scenarios, and to solve the problem that the existing decision-making methods based on the minimum safe distance model cannot effectively make decisions in some scenarios, a novel lane-changing obstacle avoidance decision-making and control method is proposed. Initially, when emergency braking cannot avoid obstacles safely, the lane-changing trajectory is planned by quintic polynomial, and the minimum distance and collision detection (MDCD) algorithm is then employed to ascertain whether the lane-changing trajectory meets the safety conditions. Subsequently, a Linear Time-Varying Model Predictive Control (LTV MPC) trajectory tracking controller is designed based on the 7-DOF vehicle dynamics model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through two representative scenarios. The simulation results indicate that the MDCD algorithm can ensure the safety and effectiveness of obstacle avoidance decisions in all emergency obstacle avoidance scenarios, and when tracking the emergency lane-changing trajectory in different typical scenarios, compared with the LTV MPC controller based on the single-track vehicle dynamics model (STVDM), the maximum tracking error can be reduced by 50.7% and 60.1%, respectively, while ensuring near-equivalent real-time performance operation.

A delay-product-type Lyapunov functional approach for enhanced synchronization of chaotic Lur'e systems using a quantized controller

<abstract><p>The asymptotic synchronization problem of chaotic Lur'e systems in the master-slave framework was explored in this paper. A time-varying delay feedback controller with quantization considerations and a delay-product-type Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional technique were employed to tackle this problem. Consider an error system based on master and slave systems, for which sufficient asymptotic stability requirements are developed to assure that the addressed system achieves proper synchronization. Following that, the desired control gain was determined by finding a feasible solution to these stability requirements. The results of this paper were validated using a numerical example with simulations, which revealed that they were superior to previously published ones.</p></abstract>

Energy Reduction for Wearable Pneumatic Valve System With SINDy and Time-Variant Model Predictive Control

Energy Reduction for Wearable Pneumatic Valve System With SINDy and Time-Variant Model Predictive Control

Time-Varying Formation Control of Multiagent Systems Across Two Networks With Mixed Interactions

Time-Varying Formation Control of Multiagent Systems Across Two Networks With Mixed Interactions